Joe Ajaero: What you should know about terrorism charges against NLC president
Femi Falana and Joe Ajaero Image Source: The Punch
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, recently faced police interrogation over serious allegations, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
These charges have sparked widespread concern and speculation, especially given the prominent role of the NLC in Nigeria’s labour movement and the trend in the arrests of journalists in the country. Here’s what you need to know about the situation.
Background and Interrogation Details
On August 19, 2024, the Nigerian Police issued an invitation to Joe Ajaero, requesting him to appear at their headquarters the following day. The interrogation, which took place at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office, was attended by human rights activists including Femi Falana, SAN, Maxwell Opara, and Deji Adeyanju, alongside the leader of the IRT, DCP Sanusi Mohammed. Also present were operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Vanguard sources revealed that the interrogation, which lasted less than 30 minutes, focused primarily on a tenant of the NLC, the operator of the Iva Valley Bookshop located on the second floor of Labour House.
Ajaero clarified during the session that the individual in question was merely a tenant and had no consulting relationship with the NLC. He emphasized that there was no communication, either by phone or in writing, between the tenant and the NLC.
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Ajaero’s Response to the Allegations
Following the interrogation, Ajaero addressed journalists, describing the police invitation as a “distraction” and dismissing the allegations as baseless. He accused the authorities of attempting to intimidate the labor movement but asserted that such tactics would not succeed. Ajaero expressed his confidence in the integrity of the NLC, citing the organization’s longstanding commitment to patriotism and the welfare of Nigerian workers.
In his remarks, Ajaero reflected on past challenges faced by the labor movement, noting that such confrontations are an expected part of the job. He recalled similar experiences from as far back as the military era in the late 1990s, highlighting the resilience of the labor movement in the face of adversity.
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A Stronger Resolve
Despite the allegations and the recent interrogation, Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s determination to continue its advocacy for workers’ rights. He stated that the union would not be deterred by external pressures and that their resolve to fight for the welfare of Nigerian workers remains stronger than ever.
“Our patriotism is unshakable, and we will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles,” Ajaero declared.
The NLC and its leadership remain under scrutiny. However, Ajaero’s statements suggest that the union is prepared to stand firm against any challenges, continuing its mission to protect the interests of workers throughout Nigeria.
